Clinical exercise table



June 7, 1949. ALBIZU 2,472,391

cLiNIcAL EXERCISE TABLE Filed Aug. 9, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 z w: G. 4: 5/20 ATTORNEYS June 7, 1949. G. ALBIZU 2,472,391

' CLINICAL EXERCISE TABLE Filed Aug. 9, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 a E \1 Y INVENTOR 10/5 6.14LB/Zl/ ATTORNEYS June'7, 1949. L. G. ALBIZU 2,472,391

CLINICAL EXERCISE YABLE Filed Aug. 9,.1944 4 Shee't s-Sheet s INVENTOR L (/15 G .ALB/Zl/ ATTORNEYS June 7, 1949. L. c. ALBlZU 2,472,391

CLINICAL EXERCISE TABLE Filed Aug. 9, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR L (/75 6. 1445/20 Patented June 7, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLINICAL EXERCISE TABLE Luis G. Alblzu, Ponce, 1 R. Application August 9, 1944, Serial No. (Cl. ;272- -8;1)

10 Claims. 1

This invention relates to exercising apparatus and has for its object certain improvements in exercising apparatus. The invention relates more particularly to improvements in exercising apparatus adapted for the treatment of patients who are in need of certain exercises adapted to isolate the muscles to be used so as to avoid general fatigue.

Exercising apparatus at present available has a number of serious disadvantages when used for the treatment of patients. The apparatus is, for example, designed for the use of essentially well people or it is usable for only a limited number of exercises adapted for a patient. There is a distinct need for exercising apparatus that is especially adapted for patients and which is capable of giving a patient a wide variety of exercises. The present invention contemplates an exercising apparatus peculiarly adapted for the treatment of patients and especially patients whose exercise should be taken while they are lying in a prone position.

The invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the following description, in which:

Fig. 1 is .a side elevation in section on the line 1-4 of Fig. 2, showing an exercising apparatus illustrative of the invention;

Fig. '2 is applan view of the same;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus in readiness for use;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the rear part of the calf of a patients leg or legs;

Fig. v5 is a similar view, showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the muscles of the patients shoulders;

Fig. -6 is a similar view, showin the use of the apparatus for exercising the front part of the calf of the p-atients leg or legs;

Fig. 7 is a similar view, showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the chest of the patient;

Fig. '8 is a similar view, showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the back of the patient;

Fig. 9 is a similarview, showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the rear part of the patients thigh or thighs;

Fig. 10 is a similar view showing the use of the apparatus for exercising the front part of the patients thigh or thighs;

.Fig. 11 is.a similar view, showing the use ofthe apparatus :for exercising the patients abdominal muscles;

.-1='1'g.-12 isasimilar view showing theme .of :the

2 apparatus .ior exercising the abdomen as well as certain muscles of the arms and back of the pati nt;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the same showing the turnin movements that .the patient employs to obtain the exercise;

Fig. 14'is a side view of a yoke employable in the exercises illustrated by Figs. 12 and 13; and

Fig. 15 is a plan view of .the same.

Referring first to Fig. 3, the apparatus shown comprises a base It, a. table II, suitably mounted at one end of the base, and an upright .pulley support I2 mounted at the other end of the base. The .base may be of any suitable construction and in the instant illustration'consists of a pair of spaced channels l3 and H, the ends thereof resting upon a pair of transverse members l5 and Hi. The channels are in turn kept in position on .the transverse members by means of pairsof blocks I 1 and I8. secured to thetransverse members.

The table comprises :an essentially flat padded top [9, supported a suitable distance above the baseby means of legs 20, 2|, 22 and 23, attached to the channels. The end of the table top-nearest to the upr ight pulley support is provided with a pair pf spaced slots and 25, and an arin opening 26.

P In the instant construction, the upright pulley support comprises a pair of spaced upright posts Hand 28, the bottoms of which are secured to thebloclrs l8 and'th'e tops of which are suitably attached to a cross member 29, and a pair of braces and 32. 'A pair'of upper pulleys 33 and is provided at each side of the upright support, the pulleys'being rotatably secured to a pair of lateral members 35 and 36, respectively.

A pair of lower pulleys 3] and 38 is located at ornear the bottom of the upright support. In the present structure the pulleys are rotatably secured to the topof the pair of channels 13 and [4. .A ewe p o lewe e ll r 3. a d S mi-ed to the other end of the base, .ator near the far end of the table.

Theapparatusshown isprovidedwithapair of flexible .cords M and suitably strung about-the pulleys. A pair .of spaced floating pulleys .43and is associated with the flexible cords, eachpulley or pulley housing (not shown) being capableof supporting i :seriesof removable weights 45. The free ,endspi the flexible cords are providedwith hooks '46 adapted toreceivegripping elements 4.1, which may -.be varied in ,constlfllction .to fit the graspof the hand .or 5120 ;he,. 8.tt3,ChBd;tO the foot. As shownmoraparticularly inJFig. 3,;the ends-of 3 the cords at the table are shown provided with a pair of removable shoes 48.

A pair of hooks, or at least one hook, 39, is provided at or near the upper pulleys, so that the free ends of the cords at the upright support may be temporarily secured thereto, if desired. A pair of hooks, or at least one hook, til, is also provided at the far end of the table, so that the other ends of the flexible cords may be secured. thereto, if desired. A similar pair of hooks, or at least one hook, is provided at or near the end portion of the table nearest to the upright pulley support, so that the same ends of the flexible cords may be attached thereto, if desired.

The adaptability of the above-described apparatus for a Wide variety of exercises is illustrated by Figs. 4 to 13, inclusive.

Thus, Fig, 4 shows the apparatus in use for exercising some of the muscles of the leg and foot. In this instance, the ends of the flexible cords 4| and 42 at the upright support l2 are attached to hooks 49 near the upper pulleys 33 and 34; while the other ends of the flexible cords are passed through the slots and 25 in the top of table I I, as shown in Fig. 3. The shoes 48 are attached to the hooks at the free ends. The patient adopts a prone position, on his back, as shown. With the shoes slipped over his feet, the patient is then prepared to move and flex his ankles. The position of the flexible cords with respect to the weights is such that the cords tend to pull the patients feet backward, toward his knees.

Fig. 5 shows the patient lying on his left side, with his left arm extending through the arm opening 26 in the table. The patient then grips the free end of one or both flexible cords, and is in position to obtain the desired exercises for the muscles of the shoulder, as well as of the hand, wrist and arm, by resorting to various movements. When the patient assumes a corresponding prone position on his right side, his right shoulder, hand, wrist and arm may be similarly exercised.

Fig. 6 shows the patient back on his back. The flexible cords are in this instance disengaged from the second pair of lower pulleys 39 and 40, at the left end of the base Ill, and extend upwardly from pulleys 31 and 558, at the foot of the upright support, directly to the patients feet. In this position, the pull of the flexible cords is downwardly, thus causing the tips of the patients feet tobe pulled forward, away from his knees. A backward and forward movement of the feet exercises th muscles in the front part of the legs, as well as those of the feet. 1

Fig. '7 with the flexible cords in substantially the same position, shows the patient still on his back, but holding the free ends of the flexible cords in his hand or hand-s. This permits exercising of the muscles of the chest, as well as those of the shoulder, arm, wrist and hands,

Fig. 8 shows the heretofore free ends of the flexible cords attached to hooks 56 at the far end of the table, While the other end of one of the flexible cords 4| is released from hook 49 at the top of the upright support. The patient is shown lying on his right side with his right arm through the arm opening 26 in the table top. The left hand is shown holding the free end of flexible cords M. This arrangement of the apparatus is particularly useful for exercising the muscles of the back, in addition to 4 those of the shoulder, arm, wrist and hands. The patient need only turn over to his left side in order to repeat the exercises from that position.

Fig. 9 shows a similar arrangement of the apparatus, except that flexible cord 42 is also released from its hook 49. The patient, however, is shown lying prone on his back, with the free ends of the flexible cords attached to his feet, preferably by means of shoes 48. The patients legs from the knees to the feet extend beyond the end of the table. Simple bending movements at the knee result in the exercise of the muscles in the rear part of the thighs.

Fig. 10 shows the ends of the flexible cords at the upright support again attached to hooks 49, and the other ends of the flexible cords released from hooks 59 at the far end of the table. The patient is in the same position on his back, but the free ends of the flexibl cords are attached to his feet. In this position the pull on the cords is downwardly. Up and down movement of the feet exercises the muscles of the front part of the thighs.

As in Fig. 9, the patient is shown in the same position in Fig. 11, except that the movement of the knees is coupled with bending at the hips. This arrangement is excellent for exercising the muscles of the abdomen.

Fig. 11, like Fig. 9, shows the end-s of the flexible cords released from hooks 49 at the upper part of the upright support I2; while the other ends of the cords are secured to hooks 59 at the left end of the table. The patient is still on his back, but with his legs resting on the table; with the free ends of the cords attached to his feet. Movement of the knees is coupled with bending at the hips, which results in the exercise of the muscles of the abdomen.

Figs. 12 and 13 show the end of flexible cord 42 attached to a yoke 5| by means of a hook 52 attached at or near the end of the yoke. A similar hook 53 is located at or near the other end of the yoke to receive flexible cord 4!. The

- flexible cord-s may be interchanged, or they may be used simultaneously, if desired. The patient in this example sits in an upright position, with the yoke extending across his shoulders, and his hands holding the ends of the yoke.

Figs. 14 and 15 show the yoke 5| in more detail. It will be seen that it is provided with an arched portion 54 in its center, which is adapted to fit around and rest against the back and shoulders of the patient. As shown in the preceding two views, the patient may pivot himself to the left and right at his waist in order to obtain the desired abdominal exercise. The movements employed by the patient also exercise certain muscles of the arm and back.

It will be clear to those skilled in this art that by the time the patient has gone through the cycle of exercises possible with the above-described apparatus, he will have obtained a great variety of exercises. Substantially all of his muscles will have been brought into play. Furthermore, all of the exercises may be had while the patient is lying down, or sitting upright; which is an exceedingly important consideration in the treatment of certain patients. This is particularly true of those having weak hearts; weak legs; or who suffer from general weakness. After each exercise, which can be carefully controlled, the patient may rest by simply relaxing in his prone position. In this manner, the patient may save his strength while utilizing only so much energy as is necessary to obtain the prescribed exercise.

I claim:

1. In exercising apparatus, the improvement comprising an elongated base, a table supported above one end of said base, an upright pulley support spaced from said table and mounted at the other end of said base, the space between the end of the table and the upright pulley support being suiiicient for the free movement of the arms and legs of a person supported on the table, a pair of upper pulleys rotatably secured to each side of the upper portion of said upright support, a hook adjacent each pair of said upper pulleys, a pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the bottom of said upright support, a second pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the other end of the base, a pair of spaced hooks adjacent the outer end of said table, and a pair of spaced hooks adjacent the end of the table nearest the upright support, the pulleys at each side of the apparatus being adapted to receive a flexible cord and the hooks being adapted to hold the free ends of the flexible cords when attached thereto.

2. Exercising apparatus according to claim 1, in which the top of the table is provided with a pair of spaced slots at or near the end thereof nearest to the upright support, said slots being adapted for the passage therethrough of said flexibl cords running from the second pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the outer end of the base.

3. Exercising apparatus according to claim 1, in which the top of the table is provided with an arm opening adjacent the end thereof nearest to the upright support.

4. In exercising apparatus particularly useful for patients, the improvement comprising an elongated base, a table supported above and integrally secured to one end of the base, and an upright pulley support spaced from the table and integrally mounted on the other end of the elongated base, the table and the upright support being spaced from one another suiiiciently that a person supported on the table may freely exercise his arms and legs in the space between them, 'both above and below the level of the top of the table.

5. Exercising apparatus according to claim 4, including a pair of upper pulleys rotatably secured to each side of the upper portion of the upright support, and a pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the bottom of the upright support.

6. Exercising apparatus according to claim 4, including a pair of upper pulleys rotatably se- 6 cured to each side of the upper portion of the upright support, a pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the bottom of the upright support, and a second pair of spaced lower pulleys adjacent the other end of the base.

7. Exercising apparatus according to claim 4, in which the top of the table is provided with an opening adjacent the end thereof nearest the upright support through which an arm of a person supported on the table may extend.

8. Exercising apparatus according to claim 4, in which the top of the table is provided with a pair of spaced slots adjacent the end thereof nearest th upright support, said slots being adapted for the passage therethrough of flexible pulley cords.

9. Exercising apparatus according to claim 4, in which the top of the table is provided with an opening adjacent the end thereof nearest the upright support through which an arm of a person supported on the table may extend, and the same end of the table is provided with a pair of spaced slots adapted for the passage therethrough of flexible pulley cords.

10. In exercising apparatus particularly useful for patients, the improvement comprising an elongated base, a table supported above and integrally secured to one end of the base, an upright pulley support spaced from the table and integrally mounted on the other end of the elongated base, the space between the end of the table and the upright support being suflicient for the free movement of the arms and legs of a person supported on the table, a pulley rotatably secured to the upright support, a flexible weight-pulling cord mounted on the pulley, and a yoke attached to the operating end of the cord, said yoke being sufilciently long to extend from hand to hand of the persons outstretched arms and arched in its center portion to fit around his back and shoulders.

LUIS G. ALBIZU.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 232,022 Gifiord et a1 Sept. '7, 1880 321,388 Ruebsam June 30, 1885 457,400 Dowd Aug. 11, 1891 902,946 De Nise Nov. 3, 1908 2,219,219 Boger Oct. 22, 1940 

